Cargo thieves don't stop for Labor Day

Friday, August 30, 2013

FreightWatch International is expecting increased cargo theft activity over Labor Day weekend, adding that thieves have historically targeted pharmaceuticals and electronics over the holiday weekend.
According to the company, carriers reported a theft rate of 4.4 per day during Labor Day weekend in 2012, an increase of 63 percent over the average weekend.
"Holiday weekends notoriously show an increase in cargo theft risks for transportation companies, shippers and manufacturers," FreightWatch said in a statement. "Organized theft rings are active and understand that holiday weekends mean more shipments left unattended for extended periods of time."
FreightWatch recommends, among other things, to check that security procedures and protocols are in place and are functioning as they should since both transit and warehouse operations will be "heavily targeted" this weekend. It is also important to note when any parties receiving cargo will be out of operating over the weekend so cargo won't be left sitting unguarded.
"If available, covert tracking and active monitoring of high value shipments is highly recommended recommended as it has proven to be the most effective protocol to mitigate in-transit theft," FreightWatch added. - Jon Ross